Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine and scarce Second War immediate ‘Defence of Crete’ M.M. group of six awarded to Battery Sergeant Major G. W. Wilson, 15th Coast Regiment, Royal Artillery, who distinguished himself in the desperate fighting to repel the airborne invasion of Crete of 20 May 1941, and continued to do so during the following chaotic days of the brief but bitter campaign

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (1669637 Sjt. G. W. Wilson. R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.V.R., Territorial (1669637 Bmbr. G. W. Wilson. R.A.) mounted for wear, last with minor edge bruising, otherwise generally very fine or better (6) £1,600-£2,000

M.M. London Gazette 30 December 1941:

‘In recognition of distinguished services in the Middle East (including Egypt, East Africa, The Western Desert, The Sudan, Greece, Crete, Syria and Tobruk).’

The original recommendation states:

‘On Tuesday 20 May 1941, whilst German parachutists were landing in the Alikarnossos area of Candia (Crete) despite the fact that low flying enemy fighter planes, escorting troop carriers, were machine gunning heavily, Sergeant Wilson organised a party of six men with rifles to go forward through the fire to support H.Q. ‘B’ Troop (Lt A/A) Australian Regiment who were without small arms protection. This action resulted in the area lines being held intact and snipers and other enemy personnel being killed.

On the afternoon of the 22nd May, volunteers were called for to assist the R.T.R. in ejecting two snipers from a house in the 7th Med. Bde. area. Sergeant Wilson immediately volunteered and formed one of the party which eventually ejected the enemy by using small arms fire and hand grenades (German). Throughout the whole of the following period, although under heavy bombing and machine gun attacks, this sergeant was instrumental in keeping up the high morale of the men by his splendid example of untiring devotion to duty and personal leadership.

As acting B.S.M. of the Battery he was responsible for the feeding of the men and the general organisation outside the firing Battery. This he carried out most efficiently, with the result that not one N.C.O. or man was lost or wounded during the period 20 May 1941 to 28 May 1941.’

George William Wilson served during the Second World War with the 15th Coast Regiment, Royal Artillery during the defence of Crete, and in North Africa.